_______SERVICES_______

Holy Communion 10.00 a.m. each Wednesday at Broome
Church Services for June 2009

Sunday 7th June – Trinity Sunday
9.00 am – Holy Eucharist – Broome
10.00 am – Family Service – Blakedown
11.15 am – Morning Prayer – Churchill
4.00 pm – Parents and Children Together – Blakedown

Sunday 14th June – Trinity 1
11.15 am – Benefice Eucharist – Churchill

Sunday 21st June – Trinity 2
9.00 am – Holy Eucharist - Broome
10.00 am – Morning Prayer & Communion – Blakedown
11.15 am – Morning Prayer – Churchill
1.00 pm – Holy Baptism - Blakedown

Sunday 28th June – St Peter’s Day
10.00 am – Patronal Festival at Broome

Sunday 5th July – Trinity 4
9.00 am – Holy Eucharist – Broome
10.00 am – Family Service – Blakedown
11.15 am – Morning Prayer – Churchill
3.00 pm – Open Air Service & Picnic – Clent Hills – organised by Hagley and District Churches.
(Parents and Children Together at the Rectory at 4 pm on the 12th July.)

Speaking Personally….the view from the Rectory. (8th May 2009)

Dear readers,
Christians will celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost on 31st May. This is a time when they give thanks for the outpouring
of the gifts of the Spirit bringing light and life to the first followers of Jesus. On the Sunday following Pentecost,
Christians consider the nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit on what is called Trinity Sunday.
On the Sundays after Trinity the liturgical colour for the season is green and Christians have traditionally thought of these
Sundays as times of growth in faith and influence of the Holy Spirit. Just as trees need to be lopped to let the sunlight through,
perhaps in the Summer months we need to think about what may be blocking the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I realise that for many people time for worship in a church has to be
pushed aside by worldly concerns. Yes, I know the lawn need mowing and the lure of the shops, open on a
Sunday these days, is strong and the DIY and Sport call us, as well as visiting family and friends, and these are all important in their own way.
We can get easily distracted by so many things as our lives are so busy these days, BUT how much richer our lives may be
if we place God first and then all that is good and right and all our distractions can follow our Sunday prayers.
I think many people seek a deep meaning for their everyday lives.
Letting God ‘in’ is essential to real life and love. More than we can ask, or imagine, is honestly realised by our presence at worship –
even when we are unable to believe this to be so. God understands that we have all sorts of distractions and pressures but longs
for each one of us to make time to draw close to his guidance and supportive love.
This is important not just for ourselves but for all we seek to serve in our family, friendships and work places,
in a context of a world in need of those who draw close to the heart of creative love.
Sometimes we may feel disappointed with worship when we come to
church or with the response to our prayers. However, from my experience, we may rest assured that we shall be given strength,
‘The Comforter’ (another name for the Holy Spirit), to carry us through day by day, even though we may not always understand
God’s action at the time.
The early Christian way of life, as described in the Book of the Acts of
the Apostles, is startlingly dependant on and affected by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in individual lives,
creating new followers of Jesus and giving vitality to the early growth of the various Christian communities.
As God wills, may we all be open to the gifts and leading of the Holy
Spirit, whether in our personal faith journey, or in the life of our local churches and community.
Your friend and Priest,
Fr Paul.

SERVICES

“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
CHURCH SERVICES FOR MAY 2009
Sunday 3^rd May – Easter 4.
9am – Holy Eucharist – Broome
10am – Family Service – Blakedown
11.15am – Morning Prayer – Churchill
4pm – Parents and Children Together – Blakedown.
Sunday 10^th May – Easter 5.
10am – Benefice Eucharist – Blakedown
12.45pm – Holy Baptism – Churchill
6.30pm - Christian Aid service – St John’s Hagley
Sunday 17^th May – Easter 6.
9am – Holy Eucharist – Broome (Rev’d Stephen Winter)
11.15am – Morning Prayer – Churchill (for Churchill & Blakedown)
Thursday 21^st May – Ascension Day
7pm – Holy Eucharist – Blakedown (Rev’d Mike Rutter)
Sunday 24^th May – Easter 7
10am - Benefice Eucharist – Broome (Rev’d Len Burn)
Sunday 31^st May – PENTECOST
9am – Holy Eucharist – Broome
10am – Holy Eucharist - Blakedown
11.15am - Morning Prayer & Communion – Churchill
PM – Holy Baptism – Broome
Sunday 7^th June – TRINITY
9am – Holy Eucharist – Broome
10am – Family Service – Blakedown
11.15am – Morning Prayer – Churchill
4pm – Parents and Children Together – Blakedown.
There will not be a celebration of the Eucharist on Wednesday 13^th and Wednesday 20^th May.

Bible Study Group meets in Blakedown Church at 11.30am on Wednesdays 13^th May and 27^th May

An opportunity to remember loved ones gone before us

Every Wednesday - 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion at Broome

11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. - Blakedown Church open, with

Prayer & Bible Study (Refreshments) at 11.30 a.m.

All welcome

Every Wednesday - 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion at Broome

11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. - Blakedown Church open

with Prayer & Bible Study (Refreshments) at 11.30 a.m.

* Parents and Children Together (PACT)….the start of a new, informal service especially aimed at parents and young children to be held in
Blakedown church on the first Sunday in each month for an initial trial period. Parents, if you would like to come to church with your young child or
children but, for any reason, find Sunday morning difficult, why not come along for an half an hour of worship and activities aimed at the younger children?
Worship will be followed by tea and biscuits.

CHURCHILL WITH BLAKEDOWN

ANNUAL VESTRY & PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETINGS 2008

The following were elected to office:
WARDENS FOR THE PARISH
Nominated by Churchill: Mr David Phillips
Nominated by Blakedown: Mrs Mary Macdiarmid and Mrs Janice Johns
LICENSED READERS
Mr Gerald Dyer (Ex officio to the PCC).
DEANERY SYNOD
Mr Roy Keys Mrs Sue Amer Mrs Eileen Rock
PAROCHIAL CHURCH Council
Mrs Sara Brehony Mrs Hilary Dyer Mrs Mary Wyatt
Mrs Carrie Fellows Mrs Doris Hasty Mrs Pauline Hayward Mrs Marilyn Hiscock Mr David Houle Mrs Sue Mye
Mrs Joan Rand Mr Graham Rock Mrs Janette Snipe
Mr Brian Tait Mrs Gillian Tait Mr Alan Williams
Mr Keith Owen Mrs Diana Reed-Daunter Mr Paul Whitwam
Mr Clive Reed-Daunter
OFFICERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Hon. Secretary Mr Gerald Dyer
Hon. Treasurers (Blakedown) Mr Michael Edwards
(Churchill) Mr Roy Keys
Hon. Electoral Roll Officer Dr Ron Smith
Independent Examiner Mr Andrew Harding

Speaking personally….

Dear friends,

I like to watch some of the TV documentaries, especially the travel ones. I often learn some interesting fact or other. In a documentary about Thailand I heard all about how the young men there, before they settle down and marry, enter employment or both – become Buddhist monks for several months of the year. It is not compulsory and there aren’t any life-long vows. For a limited time they practice meditation, live simply, observe celibacy and learn the discipline of a monk’s life.
Thai society, like all societies, has its faults, but I think the practice must shape the national psyche, which usually brings a calmness to much adult interaction (although perhaps that is a theory which has been very stretched recently in view of the recent anti-government fighting in Bangkok). Nevertheless, I suspect that inter-personal relationships are much better because of the monastic background which many men have. A bit like national service is said to have done in this country, it has the potential to instil a sense of discipline of self and of respect for others.
We have a lot to say about young people learning to have respect. It seems to me children learn very well from the adult attitudes and behaviour they see, whether they be parents, teachers, footballers, politicians or celebrities. It all depends what kind of formation, young and old, there are some things we all need to learn: control of temper, the art of waiting, the freedom to let go, the ability to deny oneself, an inner stillness.
In the Christian scheme of things these are not virtues to be cultivated out of nothing, they are echoes of the character of God and gifts of God’s Spirit, that grow in us as we grow nearer to God in Jesus.
If there is something that our society needs to recover, perhaps that the West may re-learn from the East, could it be the commitment to spiritual practice that shapes personality and character?
‘You are the potter, I am the clay, the work of your hands.’

Christian greetings,

Fr Paul.

Dear Friends and Parishioners (and so you are!),

Diane my wife and I are settling into our new home. By the time you read this letter we shall have been with you two months! It hardly seems possible. We have had a wonderful welcome into the community and look forward to being with you for some time.

I am sure we are now looking forward to warm Summer days and perhaps a holiday. It is a real joy to see sunlight come back into our gardens.

Turning our thoughts to the Church’s year, we have recently celebrated two of the major Feast Days - Pentecost (Whitsun) and Trinity. At Pentecost Christians celebrate the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church bringing light and life. On Trinity Sunday Christians think about the basic teaching of the Church that God reveals himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. During the Sundays following Trinity Sunday the liturgical colour is green and Christians have traditionally thought of these Sundays as times of growth in the Faith through the work of the Holy Spirit.

During the coming months when we look for Summer sun and enjoy the light evenings perhaps we all need to think about what may be blocking the action of the Holy Spirit in our own lives and in our church communities.

Is our time of worship being pushed aside by too many worldly concerns? I know the lawn needs mowing, the shops are open and DIY and sport is important but – PLEASE – place God first and all that is right and good will follow your Sunday prayers. We all seek a deeper meaning to our everyday lives and “letting God in” is essential to a fuller life and love. More than we can ask, or imagine, is honestly realised by our presence at worship – even when we are unable to believe this to be so.

God understands that we have all sorts of distractions and pressures but surely longs for each of us to make time to draw close to his guidance and supportive love. This is important not just for ourselves but for all we seek to serve in our family, friendships and work places in the context of a world in need of those who draw close to the heart of creative love.

Sometimes we feel disappointed with worship or the response to our prayers. However, we may rest assured that we will be given strength – the Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) – to carry us through day by day, although we may not always understand God’s action at the time.

The early Christian way of life, as we read in the Book of Acts in the Bible, is startlingly dependent on and affected by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in individuals and in the life of those early growing Christian Communities. It is striking that the Early Church looks to the power of the Holy Spirit for so many gifts: guidance, warning and empowering. There are various instances recorded of Christians realising the Holy Spirit actually prevented certain actions. Do we have sufficient awareness of the power that is working among us? Let’s go for GROWTH, but we have to be aware that if it is to be real growth, it will be as God wills and we will need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, whether on our personal faith journey, or in the life of church communities.

Your friend and Priest,
Fr Paul.

Blessed be God in the Divine Praises….

“Blessed be God,
Blessed be his Holy Name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.

Blessed be the name of Jesus.

Blessed be Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit the Comforter.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit the Lord and Giver of Life.

Blessed be the mother of Jesus, Mary most holy.

Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother.

Blessed be God in his Angels and in his Saints.

Blessed be God.”

These words may not be familiar to you. They are known as the “Divine Praises”, and are an ancient and well-loved expression, especially during the Trinity Season, of an ideal attitude towards God. In this devotion the Christian asks for nothing either for him/herself or for others, makes no mention of sin and does not thank God for anything in particular. In one sense nothing is said but, in another sense, all that needs to be said is said.

This is a devotion of faith and love and trust, which simply considers God as Father, Son, Spirit; seeing him in his Sacraments, in his mother, in his Saints and then simply saying “Blessed be God”.

It is a quiet, trustful devotion, which does not attempt to reach the heights of the “Sanctus” or “Gloria in Excelsis”, its cadences are peaceful and calming.

Its classic use is at the beginning or ending of a prayer-time or quiet time. It may also be said at any time – good or bad. Easier perhaps in a good time, but when things are hard remember Job who said: “Blessed be the name of the Lord” when he suffered one calamity after another. And the “Divine Praises” may be used simply to tell God that we love him. What is better than to be able to do that?

Why not try using the “Divine Praises” in your time with God?

Practical Matters:

1. Fr Paul may be contacted to arrange Weddings and Baptisms in the Benefice churches. It is a legal requirement that to be married in a Parish at least one of the people to be married should be resident in that Parish. If this is not the case a License from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office will have to be obtained. Funeral services are arranged with Fr Paul, or one of the Benefice Readers, through the Undertakers. Memorial services are arranged through Fr Paul.

2. Fr Paul endeavours to make himself available to offer a ministry of listening and the ministry of absolution.

3. Please tell one of the Churchwardens/Fr Paul or one of the Readers if there is someone who is ill – either at home or in hospital – and would like someone to visit them from the church.

Fr Paul usually has FRIDAY as his free day. PGH.

Churchill, Blakedown and Broome
Weekly Village Prayer

Every Wednesday in Blakedown Church
7.30 - 8.00 p.m.

Please join us to pray for the spiritual life of our villages.
All denominations welcome.

WHEELCHAIR FOR HIRE

A high quality, modern wheelchair is now available from Blakedown Church for hire at a cost of £2 per day or £10 per week. The chair is designed to fit easily in a family car, so is ideal for outings.
Please contact Mary on 700776 to book.

NEW ADVENTURE

Each Wednesday morning, from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon,
BLAKEDOWN CHURCH WILL BE OPEN
for anyone to pop in for a few minutes or as long as they want.
The time can be used to pray, think, be quiet or just to look around 'your church'


St James The Great, Blakedown	Churchill Christmas Tree	St Peters, Broome